Your reviews are quickly becoming my favorite among the RU-vid bunch. Not a bunch of repetitive rambling that amounts to nothing. Your comments are precise, pointed, meaningful and touch on all the key points of a bikes character. Love them! Thankyou. FYI, I really appreciated the comparison to the Ripmo, its amazing to me that a bike that's "bigger" than the Ripmo can compare so closely to the one that's arguably still the best in the business for its intent.
Just wanted to chime in and say I love watching bike reviews even when I’m not looking for a new bike. I like the contrast in thoughts and perspectives from all the different channels and platforms. I appreciate yours the most though as you emphasize the importance of comparing bikes. Thank you for always ending with that and please keep it up.
Great review - was torn between a few different banks including the Occam LT and Santa Cruz Nomad. Having watched this it was clear the Rallon is the exact bike im looking for. Capable on the downhill sections (im no enduro racer) but can pedal up hills (something I do a lot). Just ordered myself a nice Gold 2022 M20 Rallon. Thanks again
I love and hate your reviews… I love them because you guys are the best and most enjoyable to watch. I hate them because I want to buy everything you review 😂 keep up the great works guys much appreciated!!!
Great review! Too many reviews focus on components or some cool gadget that comes with the bike. Glad that you review how the frame rides. Any chance of reviewing Laufey or Occam LT?
Good review. Your thoughts mirror mine. I put this bike in my all mountain that can race enduro category. Bigger bikes like the Devinci Spartan, Pivot Firebird etc.. are in my enduro race bikes that you can trail ride category. The Rallon is very precise and requires a skilled rider to get the most out of it. I also was thinking Ripmo as a good comparison bike on several rides. Only downside so far has been a bit of excess chainslap in rock gardens.
Great review from a great channel. I get so much value from each video, thank you. You should be having 20 times more subcribers, and you will be there soon, 100%!
Nice, detailed review as always! But now I am torn between the Rallon and the Megatower for a do it all bike! The Rallon is a better climber, more nimble in the turns but the Megatower eats everything on its way, being plusher! Tough choice! Keep up the good work!
Well, the it's really easy: if you are a good climber the Megatower will do. If you can pretty much roll everything you want, the Rallon will help you climb back on top. Don't buy for your force - buy for your weakness
Great review as always. I always found Orbea climbs just as good as Ibis. The Rallon surprisingly climbed so well and comfortable. And on the DH it felt plush, controlled and agile.
Hi, great review. Looking at one right now but undecided on size. I am 6'1" (185) ride 75% trail 25% steeper enduro type trails. More loam and mud that rocks. Thinking of the large for a bit more agilty but curently undecided.
So many good bigger bikes right now! This bike seems like it is about perfect if I were to get a big bike. (I ride trail bikes on tame N Utah terrain) I think the Transitions look the best standing still, but there are so many great options. Hard to buy a "not good" bike. Hope to be able to demo these from you and Zach if you can get some demos going again!
Hey great review! I’m looking for my next bike for 2023, the occam is on my short list, but it looks like the uphill capabilities are similar? Does the Occam have a big enough « snappiness » edge over the Rallon? I live on the est coast of canada, I ride 70% trail 30% enduro i would say. Cheers
Go check out our Occam review from a few years back. The Occam is quite a bit more “trail” than the Rallon. It would be even better for slower speed and tighter trails.
What confuses me a bit is you say that the chainstay length stays the same between the mullet and full 29 setup. On orbeas website they say it is a bit shorter on the mullet setup. Granted it's only 2mm but still. Did you just ignore the slight change because it's so negligible?
Yeah. The actual chainstay itself doesn’t change. Its relation to the BB changes a tiny bit but not enough to be significant in my opinion. Especially when you consider that most 27.5” bikes have 10-12mm shorter chainstays than this.
Very nice review once again ! I own a Ripmo AF and I was wondering if the new Rallon would be enough of an upgrade on the downhill to be worth changing bike ? I know you said both bikes are quite similar in feeling, but is the Rallon much more capable than the Ripmo ? Thanks for the good work :)
The Rallon is more capable than the Ripmo on the descents. It’s not as apparent as the difference between the Ripmo and other enduro bikes like the Spire and Megatower though.
Hey Pierre, I've been on a Ripmo AF for 2 years and have ridden the Rallon 2022 on different occasions. I'd dare to say that it's the perfect upgrade, because the Rallon maintains the same excellent climbing qualities of the IBIS while at the same time taking downhill performance to a whole different level. Simply put, the Rallon really comes to life exactly where the IBIS starts hitting its limits. I loved it, it's relatively stiff yet very forgiving and inspires tons of confidence on tecchy terrain. It's a YES from me!
@@Kengouru Thank you for your answer. This looks nice but I'm also scared the Rallon might be a little bit too much bike. It's not on every ride that my Ripmo AF reaches its limits. Is the Rallon as fun as the Ripmo on less chunky trails ? Maybe the carbon frame makes it lighter and playful enough compared to the AL frame of the Ripmo ?
@@pierrecarriere6845 Hey, no worries! At no point did the Rallon feel like overkill to me, regardless of the trail I was on. Despite being a big hitter, it's nimble and fun, the lower weight and added stiffness alone encouraged me to play with the trail features. I love the Ripmo, but sometimes it feels a bit like a tank, despite having a shorter reach than the Rallon.
Hi. Thanks for that super cool review. Could be my next bike. after going from the Rallon R4 to RM thunderbolt I prefer the combo of gravel bike+ Enduro over Trailbike… however, what did you notice about pedal kickback ? My R4 had quite a bit of it and regarding the climbing performance of the new 29er Rallons, I fear I won’t like the high antisquat yielding too much pedal kickback. Especially since I am too weak for a 32chainring and 30would even increase anti squat as well as kickback…and last point: what do you think about the same chainstay length for a size M frame? Would it be too front loaded? Thanks for your video and any kind of reply!
Oh man. Don’t know if I could choose. The Sentinel is a more aggressive descender but the Rallon feels quicker in the corners. Depends on what you prioritize.
Any thoughts on comparing the Rallon to an Sb130? It sounds like it has more in common with the130 than the 150 almost. Maybe as playful? Thanks for your videos, they are great!
Hey thanks! The 130 and Rallon are pretty different. The 130 is on the all mountain side of the trail category while the Rallon is on the all mountain side of the enduro category. The Rallon has a similar ride quality but it’s just shifted up the burly scale quite a bit.
Hi. After your test I will buy the Rallon. With 5foot8 would you recommend to stick with Orbea sizing to go for M or upsize for L. Thanks four your Enduro 2022 Test
@@bikersedge hi! I wanted to come along your store the last and only time I was in Utah, but still too far away for a trip with daughter and wife during holidays;) Back in Germany I ordered today size M. Offer was so good that I thought it worth a trial. Bike shop also recommended size M, although ridden only on parking lot. Service in Germany is so bad in general, that only few bike stores offer to rent the bike for a day before buying… I am looking forward to test it now. I think I am just right for such an AllMountain bike , since I am not racing but need some safety net Geometry for my tours
Great review as always! I am currently on a V1 Ripmo and was wondering if you think i would be giving up anything in the pedaling ( climbing) department with the Rallon?
@@mdmattmann not something I noticed. I’m not very sensitive to noisy bikes though. It just doesn’t bother me. Listening to the footage I can’t hear it.
I am thinking about getting an Orbea Rallon right now, but wonder about the size of the bike. I am 178cm (5.10") with an inseam length of 84cm (2'9"). I think the M size is a little bit on the short size regarding the reach, but the Large is probably a little bit too long. Any recommendations? Hard to get my hand on a testbike at these times :)
I steer clear of giving out specific size advice over the internet. If you fall between sizes, go watch our “what size bike should I buy” video. That might help.
Thanks for sharing such a good review. What would You think the main difference between the Rallon and the Revel Rail 29 would be? I am torn at the moment. Rail a better climber, Rallon a bit better decending? Cheers
The Rallon is a far more capable descender. I’d put them close to each other on the climbs. The Rail is more playful and poppy and the suspension is plusher. The Rallon is firmer and faster feeling.
@@spicycoco1 Thanks for getting back to me! I did end up with a Rallon and so far it has blown me away. Looking forward to some dry summer riding i a couple of months!! :-)
Interesting test, thanks for that. Did I get it right? Would you prefer the mullet version of the Rallon? I'm also about to make the decision to convert my Rallon to Mullet.
@@MTB_Nephi not really. The chainstay doesn’t get shorter with this conversion so the wheelbase is the same. Really doesn’t make a big difference in maneuverability. Mostly just felt the 27.5 spin up faster but it also got hung up more.
Similar. I think the Rallon might climb a bit better. The Sentinel has less travel but feels more aggressive on the DH. Probably comes down to HTA. Similar feel trying to get them in the air.
@@bikersedge Thank you! You have the best channel. Your shop has so much selection compared to all others in Northern Utah. Bought a CK wheelset from you in 2009 built by Brock, and it still going strong. Keep up the great work!
So, I’m on a Pivot Switchblade and looking for a more capable but still well-climbing bike. How much better will this descend than, say, a SB or Ripmo? Is it similar to those “all mountain” bikes? Or is it def more enduro capable than those?
Not sure about the SB. We don't carry Pivot at the shop so I'm not familiar. This rides quite a bit bigger than a Ripmo however. I've always thought the Ripmo sat on the "trail" side of the all-mountain category. The Rallon sits on the "all-mountain" side of the enduro category.
@@bikersedge Thanks! That is very helpful, since the Ripmo is a little more stable on the descents than the Switchblade. Really think this Rallon might be exactly what I’m looking for-something more stable than my long travel trail bike but that still climbs well and gets around steep gnarly switchback well.
@@mastabad2 I replaced a Ripmo with Rallon last fall and can say that The Rallon is noticably more stable and can handle the rough stuff a lot better! I don't feel that the Rallon gives anything up to the Ripmo in the climbing or playful department. I am in love with this bike!
@@bikersedge so when you rode it the bike didn’t make noise right? It felt normal. I’m asking because I have an occam lt and makes a lot of noise on descends, even after coming from the mechanic
@edusantos7653 I mean a little bit of noise from the chain and cables is normal and to be expected. If your wheel feels or sounds loose that’s concerning. I’d just make sure the bolts are all snug. If it still feels/sounds loose take it to a good mechanic.
For sure. I almost alway recommend a trail or all mountain bike for beginners as they’re the most versatile options. The Rallon is an enduro bike but leans toward all mountain. I think it would be great.
I have the 2022 rallom m20 with x2 shock. Performance 38 fork. Hunt enduro wheels. Vittoria air liner. Assegai front and dhr2 rear. Deity carbon bars and weighs 35.8 . But it definitely rides lighter than what it feels. Compared to my yeti sb150 which weighed 34.6 lbs
Have you ever tried the YT Izzo ? oh my God I had a look at one of those bikes when I was out on my Orbea wild E bike and I picked it up the YT is incredible it must weigh like 5 lb it’s ridiculous !!
New to bikes here. Im wondering why are bikes like this 5k-10k $$$? I know parts involved are nowhere near that price. Its seems like an absolutely ludicrous mark up
I got tired of waiting and laid up my own carbon frame with a 45° head angle and a 90° seat tube angle. - Let's see how long it takes the industry to get there - lol
Sorry, but spending over $8000 on a bike, might be good for those with deep pockets, but most of us here look at these bikes, and most likely already have an expensive bike, over $4000. I have for the most part tuned out of even considering a new bike at these prices and will just stick to my trusty old (2021) bike.
I am deciding between the Orbea Rallon or the Santa Cruz Megatower. The rallon will be delivered in early fall, the megatower might be shortly available. Which one would you pick for bikeparks?
@@bikersedge very true. I will say I feel it almost feels and reminds me of sb150 which I thought was an amazing climber but.the rallon is on another level for sure. Also great job and the video quality. Looks awesome. Glad you compared this to ripmo I was between v2 ripmo and the rallon
Also mine weighs 35.8lbs it's a m20 with float x2, hunt enduro wide hoops? Vittoria airliners, carbon deity bars... heavy bike but definitely handles light
@@brianleal5966 so it's very similar to the sb150 on the downhills. But when it gets tight and fast turns it turns and moves quicker than sb150. While sb150 is awesome bike and pedals amazing I'd say the rallon is almost the same but the rallon has more snappyness while keeping about the same descending power I'm selling my sb150 lol
This is 15mm longer reach than the new megatower. I'm the same height as you and have avoided bikes over 500ish reaches because they've mostly felt too big. Does the Rallon hide that huge reach well?
3:01 So for a "monster-trucky, cloud, make rocks disappear bike," which ones would you recommend? Does anyone have recommendations? Those interest me, thanks!
Hello! Can you tell me what coil you used in the video? Was it the 550 that comes with the XL or did you go for a softer one? I also have an XL with a 450 spring and it doesn't feel good at all. With the equipment on me I have around 77kg~169.75lbs Only with the 450 spring i can get the 28%-33% sag. Thanks!
@@DjMTB76 Hello! When I wrote the comment I didn't really set up the compression and rebound accordingly, it was my first 'good' suspension. I think the real problem was that i used to mutch preload on the spring and my small bump compliance was the cause. I'm still using the 450X2.80 spring on the 230x60(2.40) DHX2 with only 1 rotation of preload and now it feels good (roots and jumps). In the future I will try a 475 or a 500 spring just to see how it feels, i think i gained some weight :)) now i have around 79kg. Thanks for the question!
@@alexstefanescu2816 Big thanks man. I haven’t tested my Rallon yet. I got the 450x2.67/67mm sls spring. I will try one rotation on the preload and see how it goes. Cheers
My wife is from SLC and we go back there a lot. These trails look like a ton of fun and I don’t think I’ve seen them before. Where are you riding when you do these reviews?
Hey!! Txs so much for the review!…I have a BIG dilemma and maybe you can help me with! Have ridden a Pivot Firebird?! What would you do, i have an option to buy a Rallon Team brand new or a Pivot Firebird 2022 for half the price!! 🤯….they’re build exactly the same way but I haven’t ridden any of them and I don’t have that option….any advice?!!
By any chance have you tried a Rallon with a coil fork? I tend to think a Rallon with Z1 Coil would be my dream build for my recreational/fitness rides in Arizona?
I haven’t. In the big picture that’s not going to make a huge difference in how the bike rides. It will have an impact but overall it’s still going to be a Rallon.
@@bikersedge Thanks sincerely for your reply, I think that's going to be my next bike. I already have the Z1, look forward to hopefully next year putting it on a Rallon as I think the market's going to crash on mountain bikes between now and end of next year.
@@regularMattMatt aha yeah I hear ya , try the YT , someone told me that the reason Canyons are cheaper than Santa Cruz is cos the carbon is not as good quality but Santa Cruz prices for the build spec are literally a joke , the new megatower will probably be like £6000 for the crap spec and £8000 for a decent spec , I think you would have just as much quality on the Orbea
Nice to see that even on an XL bike the ST length isn't too long, so many other brands can't seem to stop making their STs too tall. Size L with a 435mm ST and 485 reach looks perfect for my 5' 11". Wondering if a suspension tune would make it a bit more of a truck, as it sounds like it sits quite high in the travel, making it feel firmer?
Don’t think there’s much you can do to make it feel more plush and smooth. It already has a coil. A softer spring would help but then you’d be blowing through the travel on everything. At some point you just can’t overcome the kinematics of the frame.
@@bikersedge Ah of course this is the coil, any idea how the air would compare? Not that it sounds bad the way you've described it, sounds great in fact.
@@HollyBoni What do you mean to spare? Are you saying that with your seatpost fully extended your total ST length is 500mm + 210mm + almost all the length of the exterior of the ST? So like 900mm? I'm very sceptical of that. You must be extremely tall with a huge inseam.
@@flippy66 500mm seat tube, 210mm Oneup dropper, and there is about 1-1.5cm of space between the top of the seat tube and the collar on the post. I'm 185cm with a 91-92cm inseam. Edit: SORRY, my bike has a 490mm seat tube! Dangit.
